Will continue to be aggressive: NZ captain McCullum

Wellington, March 20 (IANS) New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum said on Friday that his team will be playing the same attacking brand of cricket they have played throughout when they meet the West Indies in the fourth World Cup quarter-final at the Wellington Regional Stadium here on Saturday.

“There is added pressure because it's a knockout game. But it still doesn't take away from the fact that the game is a game, and that doesn't change just because there is more on the line," McCullum said at the pre-match media conference.

"For us, I still think we need to go out and play that attacking brand of cricket which we've played throughout," the skipper added.

“It doesn't guarantee us success, and I've said that all the way along. But I think it definitely gives this team the greatest opportunity of being successful.”

The 33-year-old's side has been in rollicking form in the quadrennial event, clinching all six of their group games.

McCullum said he hopes his side will perform to potential enjoying every bit of the contest.

“Yeah, it's a big game. But we'll go out there and enjoy the moment, enjoy the stage that we'll be presented and a full house at Wellington and hopefully we perform accordingly,” he said.

Speaking on the West Indies swashbuckling opener Chris Gayle who is battling a back pain to be fit in time for the clash, McCullum said “He's obviously a world class player and destructive on his day. We spent a lot of time playing against each other over the years as well, and we've had good times off the field too. He's obviously a great character.”

“The game is richer for his experience and his involvement. I think we've seen some of the hands that he's played over a number of years. He's obviously a very destructive player and a real character off the field too," he said.

"He's a guy which international cricket is lucky to have. We've had some success against him recently, but we still know what danger he presents as well,” concluded the skipper.